Greetham Valley golf course maintenance update March 2012

Posted by Adi Porter, Course Manager on March 12, 2012

Screening the 'homemade' compost ready for the coursesWith the snow well and truly gone, the greenkeeping team has been able to cut many areas of the courses to get a bit of definition back. The slow release fertiliser is now being applied to all areas to encourage some growth and I am starting to slowly lower the heights of cut.
 
The composting that we started last year has been a success; we are now screening all of last year’s decomposed leaves and kitchen waste, and will be spreading it on to some of the weaker fairways to improve the organic matter content, which will help to produce a thicker and heathier sward.
 
We have planted some 300 new trees (to be named Den’s Spinney in honour of the sterling voluntary work Dennis Millington performs on behalf of Greetham Valley and the members) on the right of the 9th fairway on the Lakes course; this will tighten up the hole and provide some protection between the 9th and 5th. They are very small at present but with some feeding and spraying of the bases and of course some wettish Rutland summers, they will soon grow into good size standards to create a hazard. In the meantime, all the trees should be treated as staked trees and relief taken to avoid damaging them.
 
I have now started to prepare the courses for
Enlarged 7th bunker Lakes course - beware!Greetham Valley’s 20th Anniversary in order to get them in the best possible condition that the climate will allow – please, no more snow! I will be topdressing the greens as soon as I can see a settled couple of days, this will only be a light dressing so will not disrupt golf in any way, but will improve the smoothness of the surface. The bunkers have been edged and banks will be mown in the next couple of weeks. The final tweaking will be the last week in March when everything will be cut to the regular summer heights, and I can assure you all that the courses will be presented in the best possible condition that mother nature will allow us to do.

Enjoy your golf this month! Adi

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Job vacancy at Greetham Valley in Rutland

Posted by Sharon Walpole, HR Manager on March 3, 2012

Greetham Valley has a current vacancy for a temporary Housekeeper to work in the Housekeeping Department of our busy Hotel throughout the spring and summer period.

Hours will be flexible, as required to meet the needs of the business. Weekend work may be required.

You will support the Head Housekeeper in ensuring the finest attention to detail in relation to the daily cleanliness standards of the 35 bedrooms at Greetham Valley, as well as the Rutland Lodges, holiday cottage, Lounge Bar, conference and function rooms and all public areas.

All applicants should apply by email or post to Sharon Walpole  sharon@greethamvalley.co.uk
Sharon Walpole, Head of HR, Greetham Valley, Wood Lane, Greetham, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7SN

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Luxury Accommodation at a Countryside Hotel in Rutland

Posted by simonfisher on February 20, 2012

Countryside hotels are the choice of most Brits looking for a quiet getaway for a few days or to celebrate a special occasion. Spending all week in an office and driving through towns and cities having to put up with the hustle and bustle isn’t most people’s idea of fun, but at Greetham Valley hotel in Rutland you don’t have to deal with any of that. Bliss!

Just a few minutes’ drive from Rutland Water and located close to the A1, Greetham Valley couldn’t be more appealing or accessible. The rolling East Midlands countryside provides the backdrop for luxury accommodation and two championship standard golf courses that have visitors flocking from miles around to experience. The AA three-star hotel features king-size and twin bedrooms with full en-suite facilities and many enjoy glorious views of one of the loveliest counties in the country.

All 35 of our elegant, contemporary bedrooms accommodate a travel cot or small bed for children and we have rooms specially designed to make any disabled visitors’ stay as comfortable as possible.

If you’re visiting to celebrate a special occasion such as a wedding anniversary or birthday then we can arrange for luxuries to be delivered to the room just by asking our friendly reception staff, helping to make your day that little bit more special.

With lunchtime and evening meals available in our restaurants or lounge bar, and a gym on site you have everything you need to make your stay as simple but memorable as possible. Should you want to venture off into Rutland – and why wouldn’t you – the county town of Oakham is just eight miles away and nearby Rutland Water will keep you coming back time and time again.

Oakham and Stamford feature a number of bars and restaurants and Rutland Water has a cycle hire shop, bird watching centre and a number of great areas to walk. But if golf or relaxing are your idea of a quiet break, staying at Greetham Valley gives you everything you need under one big blue-skied roof.

To find out more information about Greetham Valley hotel including room rates and special offers, contact us on 01780 460444 and we’ll be happy to help.

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SNOW UPDATE

Posted by Dee Hinch, Business & Marketing Director on February 14, 2012

Tuesday 14th February 8.30am. COURSES ARE OPEN!!! Lakes,Valley and Academy are all open, on temporary greens as the main greens are still frozen. Adi will inspect Wednesday morning and will change to main greens if possible. If not, it’ll be main greens on Thursday. Get your tee time booked, get in the car and we’ll see you at Greetham Valley very soon!

Monday 13th February 9am. COURSES ARE CLOSED FOR GOLF. But Robert and Adi are convinced that, if the Rutland weather forecast  remains accurate (well, reasonably…),the courses will become playable on TUESDAY morning!!!  The greenkeepers have started work today to get the Academy course and Lakes front 9 open first thing tomorrow morning, followed by the rest of the complex as soon as poss. In the meantime, the Driving Range is open - who is getting underfoot at home?

Sunday 12th February 6pm. COURSES ARE CLOSED FOR GOLF. Because it’s night time again. But before it got dark, Robert and I went for a 4×4 trek across the golf courses to check out how the thaw is coming along. Snow bunkers galore still; the fairways are now showing patches of green but what really surprised me was how the greens and tees are holding onto a pristine duvet of snow at least 2 inches thick. Apparantly the sand mix retains the lower temperature for longer. OK. Robert and Adi the course manager will have a good prowl at dawn tomorrow and I will  post my next update as soon as I know the situation.

Sunday 12th February 8am. COURSES ARE CLOSED FOR GOLF. Oh joy – a burst pipe over at the Driving Range. Robert’s been up there since 7am with PJ Plumbing on speed dial! Warmer overnight last night (well, warmer than -15c anyway) and the weather forecast for Rutland is for a thaw to set in. So – how long to melt the 4 inches of snow lying on the courses? We’ll keep you posted!

Saturday 11th February 4pm. COURSES ARE CLOSED FOR GOLF. Been well below freezing all day and had our first burst pipe, quickly sorted by PJ Plumbing – thank you! Hopefully warmer tomorrow. Access fine for tonight’s Valentine’s Party Night – guests are arriving to check into the Hotel now. Have a great time everyone!

Saturday 11th February 9am. COURSES ARE CLOSED FOR GOLF. And at -15c this morning I suspect they’ll stay closed for a few more days….Bright but very cold for the rest of the day, but weather forecast is for warmer temps Sunday and into next week, with no more snow for Rutland. A few frozen pipes about and I’ve seen the first icicles of this cold snap – pretty but I’d prefer to see them dripping with a thaw. The lakes are covered in thin ice, with the ducks skating on Meg’s Lake. Have to keep an eye on Jazz as she’d like to join them. Are there any Golf Clubs in the Golf Club Network open? Some of our members are going stir crazy….

Friday 10th February 4.30pm. COURSES ARE CLOSED FOR GOLF. Although a thaw did set in this morning and it’s been slightly above freezing all day. No more snow forecast and it looks as though the thaw will continue during tomorrow and Sunday. No access problems for Freddie’s birthday party tonight or the Valentines Party tomorrow night!

Friday 10th February 9.30am. COURSES ARE CLOSED FOR GOLF. Because last night we had another 2 inches of snow dumped on top of the last lot. So the only sign of life on Greetham Valley golf courses this morning was Jazz, who thoroughly enjoyed herself dashing through the snow like Rudolph. Robert’s snowplough and the greenkeepers have been hard at work since 6am, the driveway and carpark are clear. The roads were also clear doing the school run from GV to Stamford and back this morning, the gritters have definitely been out and about. And yes, the log burner is glowing merrily away in the Lounge Bar at Greetham Valley - there’s a guest curled up next to it on a sofa with a hot chocolate and a book – might go and join her!

Thursday 9th February 8pm. COURSES ARE CLOSED FOR GOLF. Well of course they are, it’s night time. But on top of it being dark – it’s darned well snowing and has been since 5pm.  Robert has just started up the snowplough and has trundled off to clear GV’s drive. When he comes back it’s also his turn to walk Jazz – again.  I haven’t told him yet that the forecast is for the snow to continue for the next 36 hours. Yay. We’ll keep the lane, drive and car parks clear for easy access on Saturday night for the Valentine’s Party Night, though – fret ye not! And RCC will keep the main road gritted too.

Thursday 9th February 11.30am. COURSES ARE CLOSED FOR GOLF. We’ve been waiting to see how much thaw would occur today – but are now glum – not enough to make playing viable. And the forecast is a 52% probability of snow/sleet overnight tonight, with temps around or below freezing for the next 48 hours. Not good news for golfers or people who have to walk the dog at 6am. But it’s nice and cosy in the Lounge Bar at Greetham Valley!

Wednesday 8th February 7am. COURSES ARE CLOSED FOR GOLF.  Bizarre – crispy, crunchy refrozen snow and ice underfoot when Robert was walking Jazz, but no air frost. Completely clear windscreens for the school run this morning. So still no golf I’m afraid; forecast is for a slight thaw again this afternoon but then below freezing temps again overnight, followed by possible sprinkling of snow Thursday and Friday. Bleh. Still, it was nice and busy at lunch yesterday – who says you have to stay bundled up at home? Roads etc still clear to get to Greetham Valley for a ‘Turkey Balls’ winter meal deal!

Tuesday 7th February 12noon. COURSES ARE CLOSED FOR GOLF. Yesterday’s slight thaw helped clear the roads but then the freezing temperatures overnight froze all the meltwater again – now it’s even slippier out there! The roads nearby, Wood Lane, driveway and carparks are all still clear thanks to Robert and his trusty snowplough and the greenkeepers gritting and we’ve got some visitors for lunch - I just saw the ‘Turkey Balls’ hat being passed around! Currently we have a slight thaw again today – but the forecast is for temps of -8 overnight. Great. Not.

Monday 6th February 8am. COURSES ARE CLOSED FOR GOLF. It rained in the night at GV then froze on top of the lying snow. Black ice about on minor roads but our carparks, lane and beyond are all clear. Unlike the golf courses sadly, which are still covered, although a thaw has set in this afternoon. Forecast is for freezing conditions again tonight, then a thaw again tomorrow. Watch this space! We’ll open the courses as soon as we can. Meanwhile, a number of golfers have been in the Lounge Bar today, drinking coffee and gazing longingly across the valley…..

Sunday 5th February 7.30am. The B668 through Greetham village and to the A1 has been gritted, Wood Lane from the crossroads, Greetham Valley drive and the carparks have all been snowploughed this morning – access no problem for Sunday lunch. COURSES ARE CLOSED FOR GOLF unsurprisingly.

Saturday 4th February 11.30pm. Started snowing at Greetham Valley at 5pm and it hasn’t stopped. Currently about four inches deep – and it’s still coming down but slowing. Check back here for an update Sunday morning – but don’t expect to play golf!Robert is out on the snowplough right now clearing the drive and Wood Lane up to the crossroads for the 3rd time tonight. We have a party of 200 tonight in the Rutland Suite, so we’re aiming to get them all home. But some have booked into the Hotel last minute instead!

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Challenging Golf Courses in Picturesque Surroundings

Posted by simonfisher on February 13, 2012

Part of a round of golf is the location. You can have the best golf course in the world in terms of the features, but if it’s in a disappointing location it can lose that magical feel. Greetham Valley is located in the picturesque countryside of Rutland taking in rolling fields, endless skylines and featuring beautiful lakes and row after row of trees.

The three fantastic golf courses couldn’t have been created in a better place and amateurs and professionals alike will be faced with tough tests of their technique. With two 18-hole championship courses, golfers come from all areas of the country to experience the challenges that Greetham Valley throws at them – assuming they can take their eyes off the scenery!

The rolling fairways of the Lakes course seem to go on for miles and certainly favour the big-hitting golfer. It isn’t as simple as drive-chip-putt however, as water hazards and bunkers lie in wait to catch wayward drives off the tee or over-hit chips to the green. At 6,769 yards in length you certainly get a real feel for this golf course by the time you shake hands on the par 4 18th green, overlooked by the clubhouse which offers players refreshments at the halfway stage of their round, as well as a meal prepared on site by our chefs in the restaurant at the end.

Before venturing out onto the Valley course you certainly need to make sure you’ve prepared for the challenge! While it’s shorter than the Lakes course at 5,595 yards there is no shortage of holes designed to test all areas of your game. With elevated tees and raised greens at the ends of snaking fairways that wind their way through the Rutland countryside, players are forced to negotiate the water hazards and woodland as well.

Never played golf before? Fear not, as the Academy course provides the ideal place to learn the game. This 9-hole par 3 course is the perfect place to work on your swing and putting out on the course, while the bunkers lie in wait to encourage you to fine-tune your game before heading out onto the 18-hole courses.

If you like the sound of challenging golf courses set in picturesque countryside with hotel and restaurant on site, then look no further than Greetham Valley in Rutland. Contact us today to find out more information or to book your tee time. See you soon!

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Greetham Valley with Golf, Food and Tunes

Posted by simonfisher on February 3, 2012

It’s no secret that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Taking him out for a slap-up meal and a few drinks is almost certain to put a smile on his face this Valentines’ Day, and Greetham Valley is the perfect place to do so. With a choice of events covering all angles, it is the ideal place for a romantic evening together.

Tranquil surroundings supported by stunning views, fine dining and luxury accommodation are the key ingredients to a fantastic Valentines’ Night. Located near Rutland Water, Greetham Valley Hotel, Golf and Conference Centre provides everything you need for a romantic break with the man in your life.

If golf is his thing, there are 45 holes to be played across the picturesque Rutland countryside. The Lakes Course is the longest, favouring the big hitters but with water hazards that penalize poor stroke play – but there are certainly worse places to end up! A shorter but equally challenging course is the Valley which really tests all areas of your game across this par 68 course, featuring fantastic views across the valley.

Once the golf is over you can partake in a bite to eat in our restaurants. Offering a wide choice of fine foods and breathtaking views across the valley, you really couldn’t ask for more – except maybe the dessert menu!

Your romantic break doesn’t need to end there, with two great events to make your Valentine’s celebration extra special. Take off the golfing gear and grab your dancing shoes on Saturday 11th February for our Valentine’s Party Night. For just £20 per person you can enjoy a two-course meal cooked by our expert chefs followed by a disco.

Alternatively, you can opt for the truly romantic night with our Valentine’s Supper by Candlelight on Valentine’s Night itself. At £45 per couple with a glass of sparkling wine, nibbles and four-course meal you can have the perfect Valentine’s evening together.

You don’t even have to worry about getting home afterwards thanks to the luxury accommodation available at Greetham. For £107 you can attend the Supper by Candlelight and stay over in one of our king-size bedrooms and then come down the next morning for a sumptuous breakfast.

For more information on these Valentine’s ideas and all of our events, contact us anytime and we’ll be happy to help.

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Celebrate Valentines Night at Greetham Valley

Posted by simonfisher on January 30, 2012

Every man looks for a special way of treating their wife or girlfriend at Valentines Day, whether it’s with flowers, a romantic meal or a weekend away, but after a while the same ideas can seem a bit stale. While they’re still gestures that are likely to get you in the good books for a few weeks, coming up with a different way of surprising your partner will put a real smile on her face.

At Greetham Valley, you have the perfect blend for the ideal Valentines night – stunning location in Rutland, lovely restaurants with amazing food, and stylish accommodation.

While fancy Italian restaurants or country cottage weekends are nice, sometimes it makes sense to try something different, and with Greetham Valley as your base there are plenty of options. For instance, set as we are in the picturesque county of Rutland, you have numerous places to visit, from the county town of Oakham to Rutland’s main tourist attraction, Rutland Water reservoir with all of its leisure facilities, both within a few minutes’ drive.

Alternatively, you can attend one of the two special night’s hosted at Greetham Valley to help your Valentine’s Night go with a bang. On Saturday 11th February, you can both get your glad rags on and attend our Valentines Party Night. Tickets for the event are priced at £20 per person, and include a delicious two-course meal, cooked by our brilliant chefs, and a disco. Why not stay the night in our Hotel in a superb king-size room and get your two Party Night tickets for just £102 per couple?

If you’d rather keep things intimate and romantic, then treat your loved one to a Valentines night candlelit supper. With a glass of sparkling wine on your arrival and some tasty nibbles, you’re sure to wow your partner even before the four-course dinner arrives. Priced at just £45 per couple, you really can’t go wrong. To really cap the night off, why not opt to stay in one of our lovely king-size bedrooms for £107, including Supper by Candlelight for two and a full English breakfast in the morning.

For the truly romantic gift to your partner this Valentines Day, choose Greetham Valley in Rutland. With delicious meals, luxury accommodation and fabulous attractions nearby, you’re sure to impress your wife or girlfriend. To find out more information, contact us anytime and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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A Christmas winter wedding in Rutland

Posted by Mitch Bardwell, Wedding & Events Co-ordinator on January 11, 2012

Winter weddings at Greetham Valley in RutlandThinking of a Winter Wedding later this year? Make the next festive season extra special by arranging your big day at Greetham Valley ‘twixt Christmas and the New Year!

From 2012, for the first time, Greetham Valley is opening for special occasions at this lovely time of year. Phone our friendly wedding co-ordinator Mitch and he can talk you through all the options, from a warming glass off mulled wine on arrival to a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings for your wedding breakfast!

The minimum number of guests for a wedding between Christmas and New Year is 50, to enjoy a full wedding package of £62.50 per person. Dates available for 2012 and 2013 are 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th December. 

We look forward to hearing from you on (01780) 460444 or by email.

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A sad weekend for Jazz and Greetham Valley

Posted by Dee Hinch, Business & Marketing Director on December 11, 2011

Beau and Meg the Greetham Valley WeimarenersGreetham Valley’s black labrador Jazz has had a very sad weekend – she and her owners have had to say a final farewell to Beau the Weimaraner who on Saturday went to the big kennel in the sky. In his heart Beau was still young and little Jazz had given him a new lease of life since the summer. But at 14, his body just gave out and we had to say a very sad goodbye.

We are consoled by the fact that he had 10 years longer with us than we ever expected him to – at 4 years old he fell off a 60 foot cliff in a nearby quarry,  breaking 3 legs and popping all his tendons. Miraculously, his spine and insides were fine and, thanks to excellent vet skills  (and accompanying bills), after 2 months he was just about put back together again, complete with pins and plates..

Jazz and we will miss him very much, he was such a part of the family, but we know he’ll now be happily frolicking with Meg, our previous much loved Weimaraner, who passed on 2 years ago.  Life must go on and we have very happy memories of the old boy….. No doubt Jazz will be spoilt rotten for the next few weeks as we try to take her mind off looking for him!

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Sarah Outen’s Gulliver sets off on his travels

Posted by Dee Hinch, Business & Marketing Director on December 7, 2011

Sarah OutenThe intrepid, amazing, totally awesome adventurer Sarah Outen is currently in Japan, waiting for the delivery of her next mode of transport – Gulliver, the rowing boat for one! Next Spring, Gulliver and Sarah will cross the North Pacific on the next leg of her ‘London2London via the world’ trip.

And where has Gulliver been waiting while Sarah has cycled and kayaked her way eastwards from London to Japan? He has been quietly and safely coccooned at Greetham Valley! And on Monday 5th we waved farewell and bon voyage to him as he set off on the long trip east to be re-united with Sarah. He was ably assisted on his way by two sterling chaps from Stamford Endowed Schools – Sarah of course is an old girl of Stamford High. And a TV news team for East Midlands Today filmed his departure and interviewed Sarah’s mum Helen, who seems amazingly stoic and level headed about her daughter’s exploits.

Read more about Sarah Outen and her amazing  journeys in aid of charities – she really is an incredible woman.

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